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Ms. Rachel L. Stephenson, APNP

Accepting New Patients

(5 Ratings)

Specializes in: Internal Medicine (Adult Medicine)

Professional interests include: parathyroid disease, thyroid problems, head and neck cancer

8800 West Doyne Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53226

1-866-680-0505

Ms. Rachel L. Stephenson, APNP is a nurse in Milwaukee, WI specializing in internal medicine (adult medicine). Ms. Rachel L. Stephenson, APNP is affiliated with Froedtert Hospital, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Regional Health Network and THE MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN INC.

Office Locations

Address:

8800 West Doyne Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53226

Some issues Ms. Rachel L. Stephenson, APNP can help you with:

Thyroid Problems

Thyroid problems are a group of conditions that alter hormone regulation and metabolism. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower neck, just below the Adam's apple (laryngeal prominence) and larynx (voice box). Despite its small size, the thyroid has an outsized effect on the body by regulating hormones that control metabolism. Metabolism is the body's process of converting consumed food into fuel to power the entire body. Heart rate, weight, cholesterol, body temperature, and even physical growth and development are all affected by the metabolism.

When the thyroid malfunctions, the body is unable to properly process and allocate energy. Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), cause irregular metabolism. In some cases, the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid cells for unknown reasons. The damaged thyroid responds by releasing either too little or too much T3 and T4 thyroid hormones. Thyroid malfunctions may also arise from genetic causes or iodine deficiency. Thyroid problems may include:

Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease that causes hypothyroidism
Graves' disease, an autoimmune disease that causes hyperthyroidism
Goiter
Thyroid nodule
Thyroid cancer

Hashimoto's is the leading cause of hypothyroidism, which is when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones to stimulate adequate metabolism. The condition is diagnosed by blood tests that measure TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and detect Hashimoto's antibodies. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include sluggish metabolism, inflammation, fatigue, weight gain, brittle hair, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold. To supplement impaired thyroid function, patients with Hashimoto's are typically prescribed synthetic thyroid hormone pills. Such patients may need to consume synthetic thyroids for the rest of their lives. Other treatments may include dietary changes, such as the avoidance of certain foods and medication to reduce inflammation. Frequent blood tests can inform patients if their TSH levels are within a normal range.

Grave's disease is most frequently the cause of hyperthyroidism, which is when the thyroid produces too many hormones, overstimulating one's metabolism. The condition is also diagnosed by blood tests that measure TSH and detect Grave's antibodies. Elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, sweating, bulging eyes, and weight loss are common symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Treatments for hyperthyroidism include oral radioactive iodine, which slowly shrinks the thyroid, slowing the production of excess thyroid hormone. Other anti-thyroid medications such as methimazole (Tapazole) also reduce the production of thyroid hormones. Blood pressure medications known as beta blockers can ease the increased heart rate caused by hyperthyroidism. If treatments are unsuccessful, patients may be prescribed a thyroidectomy, or surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid. Some patients with hyperthyroidism may require ophthalmological (eye medicine) treatments such as eye drops, prednisone, and surgery to reduce eye swelling and bulging.

Untreated thyroid disorders frequently lead to goiters or thyroid nodules. A thyroid goiter is a large lump that can be felt near the base of the neck and is made of swollen thyroid tissue or nodules (excess cell growth). Nodules and goiters are diagnosed by CT scan or ultrasound. Obstructive goiters can cause pain, coughing, and abnormal breathing. The most common cause of goiters is hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). However, Hashimoto's is also known to cause goiters or nodules. Goiters develop from continued damage from antibodies to the thyroid over time. At times, a goiter can result from a cancerous thyroid tumor. Most goiters and nodules are themselves benign.

The exact causes of thyroid cancer are unknown. People who develop thyroid cancer may or may not have another thyroid problem such as Hashimoto's or Grave's disease. Symptoms of thyroid cancer include a nodule that can be felt on the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, swelling in the neck, and neck and throat pain. CT and MRI scans are used to diagnose thyroid cancer. There are four types of thyroid cancer which vary in intensity. Thyroidectomy (thyroid removal surgery) is usually prescribed to treat thyroid cancer.

Thyroid problems are often long-term conditions that require some form of treatment. With regular monitoring and medication, many people with thyroid problems are able to lead active and fulfilling lives.

doctor visit	50

**Gender**
Male	0
Female	52

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	40
Black	12
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	22
From 75 to 84	14
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	63
High Cholesterol	46
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	29
Depression	21
Chronic Kidney Disease	21
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	25
Dementia	0
Cancer	75

doctor visit	53

**Gender**
Male	0
Female	55

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	41
Black	14
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	21
From 75 to 84	20
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	60
High Cholesterol	51
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	0
Depression	0
Chronic Kidney Disease	31
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	29
Dementia	0
Cancer	75

doctor visit	70

**Gender**
Male	0
Female	120

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	88
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	66
From 75 to 84	24
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	50
High Cholesterol	47
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	0
Depression	25
Chronic Kidney Disease	0
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	22
Dementia	0
Cancer	75

doctor visit	102

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	71
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	52
From 75 to 84	14
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	52
High Cholesterol	49
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	16
Depression	27
Chronic Kidney Disease	16
Asthma	14
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	24
Dementia	0
Cancer	75

doctor visit	106

**Gender**
Male	0
Female	79

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	61
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	51
From 75 to 84	16
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	61
High Cholesterol	38
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	15
Depression	22
Chronic Kidney Disease	27
Asthma	14
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	16
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	24
Dementia	0
Cancer	75

doctor visit	36

**Gender**
Male	23
Female	32

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	42
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	29
From 75 to 84	13
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	58
High Cholesterol	49
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	33
Depression	29
Chronic Kidney Disease	35
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	20
Dementia	0
Cancer	33

doctor visit	124
laryngeal (voice box) procedures	26
minimally invasive procedures	26

**Gender**
Male	57
Female	41

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	84
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	42
From 75 to 84	24
85 and over	15
Less than 65	17

Hypertension	60
High Cholesterol	54
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	33
Depression	26
Chronic Kidney Disease	30
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	17
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	21
Diabetes	26
Dementia	12
Cancer	17

doctor visit	119
laryngeal (voice box) procedures	23
minimally invasive procedures	23

**Gender**
Male	78
Female	34

**Age**
From 65 to 74	53
From 75 to 84	24
85 and over	16
Less than 65	19

Hypertension	57
High Cholesterol	46
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	32
Depression	21
Chronic Kidney Disease	30
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	13
Heart Failure	10
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	15
Diabetes	21
Dementia	0
Cancer	18

doctor visit	313
laryngeal (voice box) procedures	42
minimally invasive procedures	42

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2021

Volume of procedures performed by Ms. Rachel L. Stephenson, APNP for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Ms. Rachel L. Stephenson, APNP treated as a nurse in Milwaukee, WI were minimally invasive procedures and laryngeal (voice box) procedures.

doctor visit	111
laryngeal (voice box) procedures	30
minimally invasive procedures	30

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2021

Information about Medicare patients treated by Ms. Rachel L. Stephenson, APNP.

**Gender**
Male	15
Female	41

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	2
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	42
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	0
Other	0

**Age**
75 to 84	14
85 and over	3
Less than 65	3
65 to 74	33

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Ms. Rachel L. Stephenson, APNP From 2013 - 2021

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Ms. Rachel L. Stephenson, APNP treated were hypertension, cancer, high cholesterol and chronic kidney disease.

Hypertension	46
High Cholesterol	38
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	15
Depression	17
Chronic Kidney Disease	19
Asthma	2
Osteoporosis	0
Heart Failure	4
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	3
Diabetes	19
Atrial Fibrillation	1
Cancer	44
Dementia	1

Education & Training

She has a state license in Wisconsin.

Licensed In: Wisconsin

Affiliations & Hospitals

Ms. Rachel L. Stephenson, APNP is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Froedtert Hospital

Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Regional Health Network

THE MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN INC

Ratings & Reviews

Ms. Rachel L. Stephenson, APNP has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 5 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Ms. Rachel L. Stephenson, APNP from all over the web to help you find the right in Milwaukee, WI.

Overall Rating

(5 Ratings)

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Reviews From Around The Web

Overall Rating: 5.0 2024-07-22